Arkansas Football Has One of the Best Backfields In the SEC

By Matt Maddux

Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

The Arkansas Razorbacks had one of the best backfields in the SEC last season. Led by Alex Collins, who finished his true freshman season with 1,026 yards rushing and four touchdowns, the Razorbacks have a one-two punch that a lot of teams would love to have. Along with Collins, Jonathan Williams also had a great season last year, finishing with 900 yards rushing and four touchdowns.

In 2014, the Razorbacks will return both of their leading rushers from 2013. Not only does the team return Collins and Williams, but they also add Korliss Marshall to the mix. Marshall had a productive 2013 campaign, finishing with 586 all-purpose yards. The sophomore split time at running back and safety for the Razorbacks during his freshman season. Expect to see Marshall on offense full-time in 2014 after his performance in the Razorbacks’ spring game. He finished with 99 yards rushing and two touchdowns on just six carries.

Don’t be surprised if Arkansas has two 1,000 yard rushers in 2014. Collins should improve in his second season playing in the SEC. He is a powerful back with great speed and vision. If Collins does not rush for at least 1,000 yards again this upcoming season, it will be a disappointment.

Williams also has the opportunity to reach the 1,000 yard mark in 2014. Razorback head coach Bret Bielema loves to run the ball and will give his running backs ample opportunity to show out. The team has the ability to have the No. 1 rushing attack in the SEC.

There is only one thing that can get in the way of the Razorbacks rushing attack and that is Collins’ attitude. He was suspended for a week earlier this year for undisclosed reasons. There have also been rumors that the talented sophomore was unhappy with his place on the team. If Collins can get his act together, the Razorbacks will have a dominant backfield for the second season in a row.

Matt Maddux is a SEC Football writer for RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Maddux247 , “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.